Ultimate Guide to Summer Water Sports: Lessons, Rentals & Best Locations

There’s something truly magical about the way the sun sparkles across Rhosneigr’s waters on a perfect summer day. With the gentle hum of excitement along the shoreline and the promise of adventure just beyond the break, it’s no wonder our little corner of Anglesey has become a mecca for water sports enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced rider chasing the perfect wind conditions, our 2025 guide has everything you need to make the most of your time on the water.

Getting Started: Lessons for Beginners

Taking those first steps into any water sport can feel intimidating, but Rhosneigr offers some of the most supportive learning environments in North Wales.

For Surfing Beginners: Funsport offers daily lessons throughout summer with qualified instructors who specialise in getting beginners standing on their boards by the end of their first session. Their patient approach and thorough safety briefings make them particularly popular with nervous first-timers.

“The instructors made everything so simple,” shares Emily, who stayed with us last summer. “I went from never having touched a surfboard to riding my first proper wave in just one afternoon.”

Paddleboarding Instruction: Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) is the newest way to explore waters and see the sea like you never have before. And to top it off, it’s an awesome workout too!

Gecko Surf offers comprehensive SUP lessons covering everything from beach safety and gear introduction to standing up and paddling confidently. Group sessions include a small safari around the bay, while one-to-one lessons provide tailored instruction for faster progression.

As weather conditions can vary, all courses need to be pre-arranged with an instructor. These sessions book up quickly during peak season, so we recommend securing your spot when you book your accommodation.

Equipment Rental: What You Need to Know

Not everyone wants to bring their own kit on holiday, and why would you when Rhosneigr offers such excellent rental options?

Surf and Paddleboard Equipment: Funsport and Gecko Surf both offer comprehensive equipment rental to ensure you can get out on the water and have a great time. They provide surfboard hire for beginners and intermediates, paddleboard hire, and kayak rentals – all at competitive prices.

Both shops stock quality equipment suitable for all skill levels, with beginner-friendly boards designed to help you progress safely. If you’re not a competent surfer or paddleboarder, they highly recommend booking a lesson prior to hiring equipment to brush up on safety information and technique.

Wetsuit Essentials: Even in the height of summer, a good wetsuit makes all the difference to your comfort in Welsh waters. Both Funsport and Gecko Surf offer wetsuit hire with options for short sessions or all-day adventures, ensuring you stay comfortable whether you’re just having a quick swim or spending the entire day in the water.

Booking Tips: During peak season (especially August), arriving early (before 9am) dramatically increases your chances of securing the right size equipment for your session. Both shops can be contacted in advance to check availability and reserve your gear.

Remember, if you hire equipment, you do so at your own risk, and both teams always prioritise safety – they want you to have a great time while staying safe on the water.

Where to Go: Rhosneigr’s Best Water Sports Locations

Different conditions suit different activities, and knowing where to go can transform your experience.

For Surfing: Traeth Llydan (also known as Broad Beach) picks up more swell than some of our other beaches, making it the go-to spot when waves are on the forecast. The sandy bottom creates user-friendly breaking waves that are perfect for learners and intermediates alike.

For those with more experience, the south end of the beach occasionally offers faster, hollower waves at mid to high tide – just be mindful of the rocks that become exposed at lower tides.

For Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: The main beach directly in front of the village provides excellent conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing, particularly with prevailing westerly winds. The wide, open beach offers plenty of space for launching and landing kites safely, even during busier periods.

Advanced riders often head toward Cable Bay during cross-onshore winds from the northwest, where the unique topography creates cleaner wind conditions. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, have a chat with the staff at Funsport who provide daily updates on the best spots based on current wind directions.

For Paddleboarding: When the sea is flat calm, the stretch of water between the main beach and Traeth Llydan offers a stunning paddleboarding experience with views back to the village and along the coastline.

For those preferring sheltered waters, Llyn Maelog is just a short walk from the village centre. This freshwater lake provides a peaceful alternative when the sea is choppy, and its relatively shallow depths make it particularly suitable for families.

Weather Windows: Making the Most of Conditions

Unlike the Mediterranean, Welsh weather requires a bit more flexibility! The good news is that with a range of water sports options, there’s almost always something suitable to do regardless of conditions.

Wind Forecasting: For kitesurfing and windsurfing, we recommend the Windy app which has proven particularly accurate for our local conditions. Wind typically picks up in the afternoon, making mornings better for surfing and paddleboarding, while afternoons often favour wind sports.

The legendary “Rhosneigr Wind” sometimes defies general area forecasts, creating localised conditions that can surprise even experienced weather-watchers. Popping into Funsport for their daily hand-written forecast has saved many visitors from missing perfect sessions.

Tide Awareness: Most water activities here are tide-dependent to some degree. Lower tides expose more beach, making it ideal for beginners learning kitesurfing, while mid to high tides often create better surfing conditions at Traeth Llydan.

Where to Refuel: Post-Water Refreshments

After an energetic session on the water, you’ll have earned some serious refreshment. The Surf Café serves excellent coffee and hearty breakfasts for early starters, while Mojo’s offers lunch options that perfectly hit the spot after a morning session. Take a look at the great selection of places to eat later in te day.

Staying with Us: The Perfect Water Sports Base

Our boutique guest house sits just a 10-minute walk from the main beach, making those early morning sessions easily accessible. 

Our hearty breakfast will have you fuelled up and ready for another day of adventure. We provide filling, nutritious breakfast options with locally sourced produce, including cooked breakfast, Welsh made jams and preserves, local honey, pastries, and fresh fruit. We also cater for special dietary requirements, ensuring you have what you need to wake up the right way after a great night’s sleep.

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Whether you’re planning your first foray into water sports or returning for another season on our beloved waters, Rhosneigr offers an unbeatable combination of conditions, facilities and community. We look forward to welcoming you this summer and helping you make the most of your time both on and off the water.

Looking for more summer inspiration? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Rhosneigr with kids or explore our favourite paddleboarding spots in North Wales.